It might make sense to keep Smith, Hambrick, Scobey (esp. for his ST. capability), and Cason. I think Denny sees Emmitt as fragile and will ask Hambrick to shoulder a large load with Cason probably playing 'change of pace' and 3rd down. Cason excelled at that role when given the opportunity in Detroit and Dallas. Damien Anderson may be chosen over L. Croom if Denny feels Croom could clear waivers and make the practice squad.
My instincts (which are often screwed up) tell me that Denny is watching the Pittsburg Steelers. The Steelers are expected to release either W. Parker or V. Haynes. Haynes being the most likely candidate.
If Haynes is cut, then I suspect Denny will grab him, dump Hambrick, and use Scobey in special teams and short distance.
The line up would then be Smith, Haynes, Scobey, Anderson and Croom on practice Squad.
I really feel that Denny will keep 4 RB's simply because of the punishment the position will take this year (bad o-line) and Emmitt's propensity to be hurt.
If Denny were to be totally revoluntionary and truly wanted to establish a solid foundation... he would keep Hambrick, Scobey, Anderson and Croom. (Replacing Hambrick with V. Haynes when he gets cut) and cut Emmitt Smith.
Emmitt may look good playing one or two snaps, but his body has been pounded for too long by too many DB's. It's time for him to retire and leave the game. He's simply a roster space then DG needs for a youth movement aimed at speed and agility... neither of which Emmitt has any more at age 35 (closer to 60 after playing RB for so long). Emmitt would make and excellent special consultant to the running back coach... but his days of putting fear into opposing defenses is LONG gone !
If your RB does not make the opposing defense at least game plan to stop the run... then your pass offense is going to be stymied... Emmitt really is a big part of the problem (Emmitt is not part of the solution and one of the promising younger backs may get cut because of his hanging around eating up roster space and chewing up cap dollars).
If the cardinals could somehow manage to pick up Haynes and keep Hambrick, Scobey and Anderson and sign Croom to the PS. They would have a formidable backfield that would actually provide great versatility (power, speed, agility, and pass catching ability) and force opposing teams to game plan against the run. This would open up the aerial attack with Fitz., Boldin and the cast of promising WR's. Without a running game our WR's are going to be clobbered all year and constantly seeing the doctor.
